Parental Involvement: The Missing Link in School Achievement

Abstract

The value of parental participation is widely accepted, but participation is difficult to promote and maintain. Schools are becoming more diverse, and a great challenge facing educators is meeting the needs of all students. Closing the achievement gap and increasing student learning requires the collaboration of various interested groups, most notably parents. Families play an important role in creating a school that meets their child's needs, yet teachers admit they have little information or training on how to effectively work with diverse parents. In this article, numerous strategies for addressing barriers to school involvement and participation are presented. Methods for using families' cultures and experiences are also explored as a base for new learning and understanding.

Keywords:

• academic success
• closing achievement gap
• collaboration
• cultural differences
• diversity
• educational equity
• involvement
• parental involvement

Acknowledgments

Michelle LaRocque is an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University. Her areas of research interests are homeschool collaboration, preschool and elementary education, the prevention and treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders, early childhood inclusion, and teaching diverse children.

Ira Kleiman is a high school principal at Bradford Academy in Southfield, Michigan. His areas of research interests are family involvement, science education, and closing the achievement gap for diverse students.

Sharon M. Darling is an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University. Her areas of research interests are preschool and primary education, family involvement, diversity, and inclusion of young children with special needs.